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Bishop Pair or Pawn Structure?

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eugeniusjr

In positions like this I often feel more comfortable dealing with a structural defect than exercising the power of the two bishops.  

 

  What is the correct way here?  Should I prefer the bishop pair or should I trade that for a damaged pawn structure

heister
I think Dodgernation was right on the money.  But even trading doesn't seem wrong.  Your position was strong!
 
eugeniusjr

Dodgernation, after Be4 I think Rc1-c7 is stronger than Rhe1.  My very dangerous opponent played as much when I played Bxf3 immediately.  


eugeniusjr

Heister, I really like your idea of not taking the d-pawn immediately.  Re8 is much better than R/Bxd4.

eugeniusjr

Thank you both for your comments.

eugeniusjr

I meant it as an idea.  It would take two moves.  3. Rc1 Re8 4. Rc7, for example.

thomas31408

I prefer having a solid pawn structure against a bishop pair than vice versa. I hate doubled/isolated pawns usually.

 

AyushBlundersAgain
eugeniusjr wrote:

In positions like this I often feel more comfortable dealing with a structural defect than exercising the power of the two bishops.  

 

 

  What is the correct way here?  Should I prefer the bishop pair or should I trade that for a damaged pawn structure

I usually find the bishop pair the most helpful in middle games, while pawn structure matters as much or more in the end game